Microsoft Surface RT Pre-Order Available Online – Prices $499 & Up

Microsoft has finally put an end to the price debate surrounding the new Surface tablet. The RT version of the Surface is now available for pre-order with prices starting at $499. For that amount you’ll get a 32 GB Microsoft Surface running Windows RT kickstand included.

The Microsoft Surface RT has a 10.6 inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. Inside lies the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor running at 1.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM and, depending on the model, up to 64 GB memory. The tablet also features a decent offering of ports including mini HDMI, micro SDXD card slot and one USB 2.0.

There are two cameras, both of which can shoot 720p HD video as well as two microphones. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities are included. The entire device weighs only 1.5 pounds. Unfortunately the most exciting feature of the Surface isn’t included in that $499 price tag. The keyboard is separate and will cost you $120 for the Touch Cover and $130 for the physical keys Type Cover.

Below are the prices for different models and the keyboards:

Surface RT 32 GB – $499

Surface RT 32 GB & black Touch Cover – $599

Surface RT 64GB & black Touch Cover – $699

Touch Cover ( black, white, pink, red, or blue) – $120

Type Cover (black) – $130

With this pricing, Microsoft is obviously targeting a different consumer group than the Google Nexus 7. Apple’s iPad also starts at $499 and the Surface with it’s extra ports, more memory and its ability to expand via SDXD card slot is going to be interesting competition. As always it really comes down to which OS you prefer. If Windows 8 is a smash hit, the Surface will be also.

Microsoft has a Surface Pro in the works as well which will have an Intel Core i5 processor on board. The pricing has yet to be announced for this model, though no doubt it will cost a bit more.